1. While driving, make several smooth and then sharp turns of the steering wheel to the right and left in order to check for any difference in steering wheel effort when turning left and right, as well as the presence of a return moment.
Fig. 13.4. Checking the independent return of the steering wheel to the center position
2. When driving at a speed of 35 km/h, turn the steering wheel 90° and release it after 1–2 seconds. If after this the steering wheel independently turns 70° or more to the middle position, then such a return of the steering wheel is considered satisfactory (Fig. 13.4).
Note: When turning sharply, there may be an immediate feeling of some "heaviness" of the steering wheel, however, this is not considered a disadvantage. This feeling occurs due to the low performance of the power steering pump at low engine crankshaft speed.